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Importers & Exporters skeptical about duty reduction

Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has expressed skepticism about the reduction in benchmark value of import duties at all of the country’s ports.

According to them, the announcement by the Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia at a Town Hall meeting, though laudable is vague.

 

Executive Secretary of the IEAG, Mr Samson Asaki Awingobet expressed this sentiment on Adom FM’s morning show, Dwaso Nsem, Thursday.

The Vice President at the maiden Town Hall meeting, organised by the Economic Management Team, announced that the benchmark valuation for general goods had been slashed by 50 per cent, whilst that of vehicles had also seen a 30 per cent reduction.

The move to take effect on Thursday April 4, 2019, Dr Bawumia said is to maximise revenue and facilitate trade at the various ports.

 

But, the challenge of the importers and exporters, Mr Awingobet stressed is how practical the reduction would be.

He explained that, calculation of the benchmark value at the port is done by Customs, and it was not clear whether the importers would have to now do their own calculations after the announcement.

 

“We want more meat because we are confused. Who will do the calculations, it is customers or importers? Dr Bawumia must give us further and better particulars,” he opined.

Mr Awingobet also called for the establishment of a taskforce at the Vice President’s office to ensure the smooth implementation of the directive.

Source: Ghana|Adomonline.com

Ogyem Solomon

Solomon Ogyem – Media Entrepreneur | Journalist | Brand Ambassador Solomon Ogyem is a dynamic Ghanaian journalist and media entrepreneur currently based in South Africa. With a solid foundation in journalism, Solomon is a graduate of the OTEC School of Journalism and Communication Studies in Ghana and Oxbridge Academy in South Africa. He began his career as a reporter at OTEC 102.9 MHz in Kumasi, where he honed his skills in news reporting, community storytelling, and radio broadcasting. His passion for storytelling and dedication to the media industry led him to establish Press MltiMedia Company in South Africa—a growing platform committed to authentic African narratives and multimedia journalism. Solomon is the founder and owner of Thepressradio.com, a news portal focused on delivering credible, timely, and engaging stories across Ghana and Africa. He also owns Press Global Tickets, a service-driven venture in the travel and logistics space, providing reliable ticketing services. He previously owned two notable websites—Ghanaweb.mobi and ShowbizAfrica.net—both of which contributed to entertainment and socio-political discussions within Ghana’s digital space. With a diverse background in media, digital journalism, and business, Solomon Ogyem is dedicated to telling impactful African stories, empowering youth through media, and building cross-continental media partnerships.

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